Short answer: yes. Urban trash bins can absolutely be used outdoors year-round, but only if they’re chosen for the job. In a city, a bin has to handle rain, UV, heat, cold, road salt, wind, rough handling, and sometimes pests. A basic indoor bin won’t last long outside, but a proper outdoor trash bin will.
For year-round use, I’d look for powder-coated steel or stainless steel if security and durability matter, or high-density polyethylene if you want lightweight, rust-proof, UV-stable bins. Good design matters as much as material: drainage holes or a sloped bottom so water doesn’t pool, a tight-fitting lid, smooth surfaces, and a base that keeps moisture away. Weather-resistant bins should also have UV protection; otherwise plastic gets brittle and fades.
In winter, salt and freeze-thaw cycles are the real test. Stainless steel or coated metal with sealed edges does better; plastic can be fine if it’s thick and not cheap. In hot climates, UV-stable plastic or metal with light colors helps. Pest resistance is another part: self-closing lids and liners that fit properly keep smells and animals down.
Maintenance is simple but not zero. Empty bins regularly, wash them occasionally, check hinges and locks, and touch up any chips on coated metal. For urban waste bins in public spaces, choose models with replaceable parts and secure fittings. So yes, durable outdoor bins can work all year, as long as you match the bin to the climate and the abuse it will get.